5:10 AM

Update:  Occupants of the home reported that there were no smoke detectors sounding during the incident. They were alerted to the presence of the fire by a relative, who had just returned home from work and encountered thick black smoke when she opened the front door. The individual made an effort to extinguish the fire but the effort was stopped because of the smoke.

Portland Fire & Rescue strongly urges citizens to maintain working smoke detectors in their homes. Had it not been for the relative who returned home at that very moment, the incident could have ended tragically. It is also recommended that if you encounter fire in your home, DO NOT attempt to fight it yourself. The products of combustion from synthetic materials in modern day fires can overcome a person with just one breath, further complicating the emergency. Get to a safe place and call 9-1-1 immediately.

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Portland firefighters were dispatched to reports of a residential fire at 7730 SE Center Street at 3:49 am.  Initial reports indicate that the fire started in the kitchen and eventually spread to the cabinets and attic of the home.  Portland Fire is responding with a single alarm response.

One female in her 30's was treated by Portland firefighter/paramedics for smoke inhalation and transported to a nearby hospital.  Four adults and five children evacuated the home and are being assisted with finding alternate housing by the Red Cross.